Slalom specialist Marie-Therese Sporer ended her career in alpine ski racing at the age of just 27. The ÖSV announced this on Wednesday.
The Tyrolean celebrated in January 2018 her World Cup debut and has since made 38 appearances. Sporer achieved her best result this season with 13th place Levi. “I’m tired and drained and no longer have the energy that you need for professional sports. Plus, it doesn’t make me happy anymore,” she said.
The decision to withdraw is already in Flachau ripened in January. “For me, skiing was a school of life that made me the person I am today and I am very grateful for that,” said Sporer.
“I have mastered the challenges that top-class sport brings with it, including injuries, and that is why today is the right time to say goodbye to my professional career. I am looking forward to the future and everything that comes next,” Sporer, who had struggled with numerous injuries, was quoted as saying in a statement.
Sporer posted an emotional video on Instagram. “It was a really nice time,” said Sporer, who made it into the top 30 nine times. But she often fell into “deep, dark holes” and sometimes lost the joy of skiing.
However, she emphasized that she always managed to find joy again. At the Junior World Championships in Aare 2017 Sporer won silver with the team.